FMC IN RUSSIA

PRESENT MINISTRIES

After 70 years of Communism in Russia, families crumbled with no faith in God. The Godless nation has demoralized itself. The elderly are forced to beg for money, as pensions are not enough to survive. Russian streets continue to be filled with homeless children, while orphanages in Saint Petersburg are underfunded and overflowing with orphans.

Many Russian orphans are social orphans. At least one of their parents is alive but is unfit, unable, or unwilling to be responsible for their child. This problem is a result of several factors:

• After the collapse of the former Soviet Union, many families found it financially difficult to support a child.

• Extreme drugs, alcoholism, and physical or emotional abuse affect the family and the children. A child might be removed or leave independently.

• With many orphanages overcrowded, lacking funds, and staff ̶ children don’t receive the attention and nurturing they need to develop a healthy lifestyle.

Impact Europe has partnered with international missionaries Michael and Tanya Mendakoff who have been working with orphans in Russia since 2003. A team of people in Russia are working together to disciple young Christians with the goal to plant a Free Methodist Church by May of 2020.